Dental Cleaning & Exams
Henderson, Nevada
Keeping up with your teeth should feel simple and stress-free. Dental cleanings and exams cover the routine care that helps prevent problems, catch issues early, and keep your smile comfortable for years to come. From standard cleanings and exams to deep cleanings to restore optimal gum health, these visits protect your teeth and gums so you can eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
At George Harouni, DDS, we treat cleanings and exams as the foundation of lifelong oral health. Dr. Harouni brings more than 28 years of experience and an expert's eye for detail to every visit, using gentle techniques and modern tools to keep your smile in pristine condition. You are never rushed, your questions are always welcome, and your care plan is tailored to your needs, including advanced periodontal care when needed.
Protects and maintains your oral health through regular exams, cleanings, and periodontal care. Managing plaque, tartar, and gum disease early prevents more complex concerns down the road.
For patients with periodontal concerns, scaling and root planing treatments are assisted by a PerioScope camera to target hidden calculus deposits that can be missed in a standard deep cleaning.
Most dental cleaning and exam visits are completed in a single, comfortable appointment. If you need scaling and root planing for gum disease, treatment may be split into a few short visits that fit your schedule and allow for careful, thorough care.
Attending regular professional exams and cleanings, including periodontal maintenance when needed, is essential to maintaining your oral health and avoiding costly dental work in the future.
Dental cleanings and exams focus on keeping your teeth, gums, and bite healthy through routine care and early treatment. A typical visit includes a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, a detailed exam of your teeth and gums, and digital X-rays as needed. For patients with signs of gum disease, scaling and root planing may be performed to clean deep below the gumline. Our office uses advanced PerioScope technology to remove calculus deposits that the naked eye might miss.
At our Henderson office, your cleaning and exam are tailored to your mouth. For many patients, this means a standard preventive cleaning and checkup. For others, especially those with bleeding gums, bone loss, or deep pockets, Dr. Harouni may recommend periodontal therapy and ongoing maintenance to stabilize gum health and protect your teeth.
Dental cleaning and exam visits are straightforward and comfortable, with a focus on prevention and early care.
Your Routine Checkup and Standard Cleaning
Your visit begins with digital X-rays as needed, followed by a gentle cleaning from our hygiene team. Your hygienist then removes plaque and tartar, polishes your teeth, and reviews brushing and flossing tips tailored to your mouth. Throughout the visit, we check in with you to make sure you are comfortable.
Next, Dr. Harouni performs a thorough exam of your teeth, gums, and bite, and screens for oral cancer. He reviews your X-rays with you, points out any areas of concern, and answers your questions. If he sees signs of gum disease, such as deep pockets or bone loss, he will explain your options, which may include scaling and root planing.
PerioScope-Assisted Scaling and Root Planing
For periodontal cleanings, the area is numbed to keep you comfortable. Using special instruments, we carefully remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline (scaling) and smooth the root surfaces (planing) to encourage recessed gums to reattach to the tooth. We use a tiny fiber-optic camera called a PerioScope, placed into the pocket, so we can see and clean deep areas that are hard to reach with traditional methods. Treatment is usually done in sections of the mouth over one or more visits, and you can return to normal activities afterward.
Dental cleanings and exams help with a wide range of common oral health needs, including:
Removing deposits that brushing and flossing leave behind, especially around the gumline and between teeth.
Identifying gingivitis and periodontal disease early and treating them with scaling and root planing when needed.
Detecting cavities early during your exam and X-rays so they can be treated with conservative fillings.
Addressing odor caused by plaque, tartar, and gum infection through thorough cleaning and home-care guidance.
Monitoring bone levels and gum health to help prevent loose teeth and tooth loss over time.
Staying current with dental cleanings and exams is vital, protecting your teeth, gums, and overall health:
Prevention and Early Detection
Regular cleanings, exams, and periodontal checkups help catch small issues before they become painful or expensive to fix. This can mean treating early gum disease with scaling, root planing, and Perioscopy instead of facing tooth loss or surgery later.
Healthier Gums and Fresher Breath
Thorough removal of plaque and tartar above and below the gumline reduces bleeding, swelling, and infection. Many patients notice their gums feel better and their breath is fresher after consistent periodontal care.
Support for Overall Health
Healthy gums and teeth are linked to better overall health. By controlling inflammation and infection in the mouth through cleanings, exams, and periodontal maintenance, you support your body’s well-being and lower the risk of future problems.
Everyone benefits from regular dental cleanings and exams, from children getting their first checkups to adults who have not seen a dentist in years. If you want to prevent problems, keep your teeth as long as possible, and feel confident about your oral health, you are a candidate.
If you have bleeding gums, a history of gum disease, or have been told you have deep pockets, Dr. Harouni may recommend a dental deep cleaning to perform scaling and root planing. If you have dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or complex medical conditions, he will take extra time to understand your situation and adjust your care so you feel safe, comfortable, and supported.
Most standard cleanings and exams require little to no downtime. After your visit, you can return to work or school right away. If you have scaling and root planing, your gums may feel a bit tender or sensitive for a short time, but this usually improves within a few days.
We will review simple aftercare instructions with you, such as avoiding very hot or crunchy foods until your comfort returns and brushing and flossing gently around treated areas. If you ever have questions once you get home, our team is only a phone call away.
The benefits of consistent cleanings and exams build over time. With regular preventive and periodontal visits, many patients notice less gum bleeding, fewer emergencies, and a fresher, brighter smile. Gum pockets can often become healthier and more stable, helping you regain peace of mind about your oral health.
By following the home-care tips you receive in our office and keeping up with your recommended appointment schedule, you support strong teeth and healthy gums for the long term. Dr. Harouni and his team will partner with you at each step, adjusting your care as your needs change.
Dental cleanings and exams are most effective when you trust your provider and feel comfortable coming in regularly. Dr. George Harouni has more than 28 years of experience and serves as a part-time clinical instructor at the UNLV School of Dental Medicine, where he teaches future dentists how to provide careful, patient-focused care. Patients choose him for his calm manner, clear explanations, and meticulous attention to detail.
Our independent practice is built around relationships, not quotas. We run on time, use advanced anesthesia techniques for comfortable, low-stress periodontal treatments, and care for you in bright, open operatories filled with natural light. With a 4.9-star rating from hundreds of Google reviews and flexible financing options, including Cherry, CareCredit, and HFD, we work to make high-quality cleanings, exams, and periodontal care accessible and welcoming for every patient.
Most people do well with a checkup and standard cleaning every six months. Patients with a history of gum disease, deep pockets, or heavy tartar buildup often benefit from periodontal maintenance every three to four months. During your exam, Dr. Harouni will recommend a schedule based on your specific needs and gum health.
Skipping visits can allow early cavities, plaque, and gum inflammation to progress without symptoms. By the time you notice pain, loose teeth, or swelling, treatment may be more involved and costly. Regular cleanings, exams, and periodontal checkups help catch problems early, often when they are easier and quicker to treat.
Standard cleanings are usually very comfortable, and our hygienists check in with you throughout the visit. For scaling and root planing, Dr. Harouni uses advanced anesthesia techniques to fully numb the area, so you may feel pressure or vibration but not pain. Any mild soreness afterward typically fades quickly and can often be managed with over-the-counter medication if needed.
Dental anxiety is common, especially when gum treatment is needed, and we take it seriously. Our team moves at your pace, explains each step before it happens, and offers breaks whenever you need them. Many patients find that the combination of a calm, friendly environment, gentle numbing, and clear communication helps them feel more at ease with each visit.
